by Johnny Walker
Heavyweights Down Under making news this week…..
Joseph Parker Defeats a Game Sherman “The Tank” Williams
New Zealand heavyweight hopeful Joseph Parker (11-0, 9 KOs) would like to make his countrymen forget David Tua, but his rise to the top hit a few speed bumps this week against veteran Sherman “The Tank” Williams.
The 22-year-old prevailed by unanimous decision over the veteran, but took some heavy blows himself and was rocked hard in round six.
Williams found the scores of 100-90 (twice) and 97-94 to be overly generous to the Kiwi fighter, and said things would have been different if the fight had been in the United States.
“No disrespect, but if that fight was in America… this decision is ridiculous,” said Williams.
“Let’s do a rematch.”
Alas, a rematch is not likely in the cards as Parker feels that while Williams made it interesting, he dominated the action and is ready to move on.
“He’s got some tricks. He’s a very tricky opponent, he’s been in the game a long time and he used all those tricks against me,” Parker said following the fight.
“He thought he won the fight, I thought I won the fight, that I out-boxed him by fighting smart. He clipped me a few times, but I out-boxed him and I’m just happy with the win.”
Alex Leapai vs Malik Scott Fight in Jeopardy
Also Down Under, Australian heavyweight Alex Leapai (30-5-3, 24 KOs), who took a drubbing from world champion Wladimir Klitschko in his last outing, was set to meet American Malik Scott (36-2-1, 13 KOs) next week in his home country, but that bout has run into numerous difficulties and may end up being cancelled entirely.
A Leapai leg injury, problems with the undercard, and a pull-out by television broadcasters Main Event have seen the crossroads heavyweight match (Scott was blown away in one round last time out in dubious fashion by buddy Deontay Wilder) hobbled, possibly beyond repair.
Aus-Boxing reports that, “While no official announcement has been made, Aus-Boxing understands that the cancellation of the event is imminent as the primary source of funding had been received from both the broadcaster as well as advertising from companies expecting to receive exposure on national television, which will no longer be the case.”
Former World Heavyweight Champion Leon Spinks KO’d by Chicken Bone
TMZsports.com reports that former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, who famously defeated Muhammad Ali to take the belt, was laid low by a chicken bone that caused some serious medical issues this week.
“Leon’s attorney tells us Spinks is known to his friends as the “Chicken Wing King” — and during a recent meal, accidentally swallowed a bone … which got stuck in his intestine,” TMZ reports.
“Spinks has undergone two surgical procedures so far — with a 3rd scheduled for later [Friday]. We’re told Leon is conscious and on the mend.
“We’re also told … Leon’s current wife Brenda is adamant she has power of attorney over Leon — despite a claim to the contrary by Leon’s ex-wife Betty.
“As we previously reported, Betty says Leon empowered her to call the shots regarding his health after they divorced back in 2004.
“But Leon’s attorney tells us, “Brenda and Leon have a power of attorney agreement. Betty’s power of attorney was expressly revoked by Leon.”
Hopefully the former champion works out his health and legal issues and is back on his feet soon.
